Sc 


ACTION 


OP  THE 


(total  $m\M%  ti  %  f  r^bjton  €\mtl£ 


ON  THE 


SUBJECT  OF  PUBLICATION, 


From  the  year  1735  to  1853. 


-o~<$»- 


PHILADELPHIA: 

PKESBYTERIAN    PUBLICATION    COMMITTEE: 
NO.  3S6  CHESTNUT  STREET. 

185G. 


HENRY  B.  ASIIMEAD,   BOOK  AND  JOB  PRINTER, 

GEORGE  STREET  ABOVE  ELEVENTH. 


ACTION  OF  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY 


0^  THE 


SUBJECT  OF  PUBLICATION. 


4   ♦■•   0->- 


1735. 

L^pon  a  motion  made  by  a  member  of  the  Synod, 
(then  the  highest  judicatory,)  do  agree  that  if  any  of 
our  members  shall  see  cause  to  prepare  anything  for 
the  press,  upon  any  controversy  in  religious  matters, 
that  before  such  member  publish  what  he  hath  pre- 
pared, he  shall  submit  the  same  to  be  perused  by  per- 
sons to  be  appointed  for  that  purpose,  and  that 
Messrs.  Andrews,  Dickinson,  Robert  Cross,  Pernber- 
ton  and  Pierson,  be  appointed  for  this  purpose,  in  the 
bounds  of  the  Synod  to  the  northward  of  Philadel- 
phia  :  and  Messrs.  Anderson,  Thomas  Evans,  Cath- 
cart,  Stevenson  and  Thompson,  in  the  bounds  of  the 
Synod,  southward  of  Philadelphia.  Any  three  of 
each  Committee  shall  be  a  quorum. 

1772. 

The  Synod  finding  the  money  collected  some  years 
ago  for  defraying  the  expense  attending  the  missions 


appointed  on  our  frontiers  is  nearly  expended,  agree 
to  have  a  collection  this  year  through  their  bounds, 
upon  the  same  plan  with  the  former.  And  as  it  is 
judged  it  might  be  useful  to  extend  this  public  charity 
to  purchase  such  religious  books  as  the  Synod  may 
approve  of,  to  be  given  to  the  poor  congregations  ; 
the  following  members  are  appointed  to  consider  this 
matter,  and  bring  in  an  overture  to  be  subjected  to 
the  Synod  as  soon  as  they  conveniently  can,  viz. : 
Messrs.  McWhorter,  Montgomery  and  Ogden. 

The  Committee  appointed  last  Friday,  to  draw  up 
an  overture  with  respect  to  the  general  collection  and 
the  distribution  of  books  brought  one  in,  which  after 
correction,  is  as  follows : 

1.  That  the  Synod  recommend  a  general  collection 
in  all  the  churches  under  their  care. 

2.  That  the  Synod  write  a  pastoral  letter,  in  which 
they  shall  return  thanks  to  their  several  congrega- 
tions for  their  former  generosity,  and  solicit  their  fu- 
ture favors. 

3.  That  the  Synod  particularly  desire  the  charity 
of  the  public  for  those  purposes,  viz.  :  For  defraying 
the  expenses  of  sending  Missionaries  to  the  frontiers, 
and  such  other  places  as  are  unable  to  support  the 
Gospel,  for  the  purchasing  useful  books  to  distribute 
in  said  places,  under  the  direction  of  Committees  to 
be  appointed  for  that  purpose,  for  propagating  Chris- 
tian knowledge  among  the  Indians,  and  for  such  other 
pious  uses  as  may  occur  from  time  to  time. 

"  The  following  books  were  proposed  and  agreed  to 
be  procured  and  distributed,  viz. :  Bibles ;  Westmin- 


ster  Confession  of  Faith  ;  small  edition  of  Vincent's 
Catechism ;  Doddridge's  Rise  and  Progress  of  Reli- 
gion ;  A  Compassionate  Address  to  the  Christian 
World;  Alliene's  Alarm  to  the  Unconverted;  Dr. 
Watts'  Divine  Songs  for  Children,  and  the  Assem- 
bly's Catechism. 

"And  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  and  distribut- 
ing those  books,  we  appoint  for  a  Committee  at  Phila- 
delphia, Dr.  Alison,  Mr.  Sproat,  Mr.  Montgomery, 
Mr.  Bayard,  and  Mr.  Jonathan  Smith ;  and  at  New 
York,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Mr.  Treat,  Mr.  McWhorter,  Mr. 
Caldwell,  Mr.  V.  B.  Livingston,  and  Mr.  Robert 
Ogden.  And  the  Committees  are  restricted  not  to 
lay  out  this  year  above  ten  pounds  pro.  currency 
each,  for  the  purposes  aforesaid.  But  if  any  well- 
disposed  persons  shall  send  the  Committees  books  or 
pamphlets,  which  they  judge  will  answer  the  inten- 
tion of  Synod,  to  promote  Christian  knowledge,  they 
are  desired  to  distribute  these  also. 

1773. 

For  the  purpose  of  procuring  books  to  bestow  on 
the  poor  in  Philadelphia,  Dr.  Francis  Alison,  Mr. 
Sproat,  Mr.  Montgomery,  Mr.  John  Bayard,  and  Mr. 
Jonathan  Smith ;  and  in  New  York,  Dr.  Rogers,  Mr. 
Treat,  Mr.  McWhorter,  Mr.  Caldwell,  and  Mr.  Noel 
are  appointed  as  Committees ;  and  that  they  do  not 
exceed  the  sum  of  twenty  pounds,  proclamation  cur- 
rency, to  be  laid  out  by  each  Committee,  and  that 
they  draw  on  the  Treasurer  for  this  sum. 

1* 


6 

1774. 

The  Committees  appointed  last  Synod  to  purchase 
books,  and  distribute  them  among  the  poor  on  the 
frontiers,  report,  that  they  have  complied  with  the 
order,  and  disposed  of  the  whole  sum  allowed  at  New 
York,  and  the  whole  also  of  the  sum  allowed  at  Phila- 
delphia, except  one  pound  seven  shillings  and  eight 
pence ;  but  as  the  Committee  at  Philadelphia,  have 
not  yet  received  an  'account  of  any  distribution  made 
by  the  persons  to  whose  care  they  have  committed 
them  on  the  frontiers,  the  Synod  direct  them  to  in- 
quire as  soon  as  possible  into  that  matter,  and  use 
their  best  endeavors  to  have  said  distribution  made, 
(if  not  already  done,)  and  procure  what  information 
they  can,  of  the  success  attending  said  distribution, 
and  make  report  at  the  next  meeting  of  Synod. 

1794. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  the  Scripture 
proofs  in  support  of  the  doctrines  of  the  Confession 
of  Faith,  Catechisms,  &c,  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
submitted  their  report  which  was  in  part  read,  ex- 
amined, and  approved  as  a  specimen  of  the  work. 
Whereupon,  Dr.  Green,  and  Messrs.  J.  B.  Smith, 
James  Boyd,  Wm.  M.  Tennent,  Nathaniel  Irwin,  and 
Andrew  Hunter  were  appointed  a  Committee  to  com- 
pare the  proofs  prepared,  and  now  reported  by  said 
Committee  to  the  General  Assembly,  with  the  proofs 
annexed  to  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith, 
Catechisms  and   Directory,  to  revise  the  whole,  pre- 


pare  it  for  the  press,  to  agree  with  a  printer  for  its 
publication,  and  to  superintend  the  printing  and  send- 
ing of  the  same.  And  the  said  Committee  were  further 
instructed  to  secure  the  copyright  of  said  book,  ac- 
cording to  a  law  of  the  United  States,  in  such  case 
provided. 

1799. 

On  motion,  resolved,  that  Mr.  John  McCulloch 
be,  and  he  is  hereby  requested  to  receive  from  Mr. 
Robert  Aitkin,  printer,  three  hundred  copies  of  the 
Confession  of  Faith,  and  Discipline  of  this  Church; 
and  that  he  transmit  one  hundred  copies  to  James 
Hathaway,  Esq.,  at  Fort  Stanwix;  and  one  hundred 
copies  to  Evans  &  Gordon,  at  Geneva,  and  fifty 
copies  to  Dr.  John  Hopkins,  at  Tioga  Point,  and  fifty 
copies  to  Matthias  Hollenbeck,  Esq.,  at  Wilkesbarre, 
to  be  by  those  gentlemen  distributed  and  sold  as  here- 
after directed. 

1800. 

"  The  Assembly  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
subjects  contained  in  the  communication  of  the  cor- 
poration for  managing  their  funds,  and  agreed  that 
the  following  objects  deserve  consideration. 

"The  purchasing  and  disposing  of  Bibles,  and  also 
of  books  and  short  essays  on  the  great  principles  of 
religion  and  morality,  calculated  to  impress  the  minds 
of  those  to  whom  they  are  given,  with  a  sense  of  their 
duty  both  to  God  and  man,  and  consequently,  of  such 
a  nature  as  to  arrest  the  attention,  interest  the  curi- 


8 

osity,  and  touch  the  feelings  of  those  to  whom  they  are 
given." 

1801. 

"  That  there  be  made  a  purchase  of  as  many  cheap 
and  piousjbooks  as  a  due  regard  to  the  other  objects 
of  the  Assembly's  funds  will  admit,  with  the  view  of 
distributing  them,  not  only  along  the  frontiers  of 
these  States,  but  also  among  the  poorer  classes  of  the 
people,  and  the  blacks,  or  wherever  it  is  thought  use- 
ful ;  which  books  shall  be  given  away  or  lent,  at  the 
discretion  of  the  distributor ;  and  that  there  be  re- 
ceived from  Mr.  Robert  Aitkin,  towards  the  discharge 
of  his  debt,  books  to  such  an  amount  as  shall  appear 
proper  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Assembly,  who  are 
hereby  requested  ^to  take  proper  measures  for  the 
distribution  of  the  same." 

1802. 

"  Whereas,  an  invoice  of  books,  suitable  for  the 
purposes  of  the  Assembly,  amounting  to  fifty  pounds 
fourteen  shillings  ten  pence  sterling  has  been  laid 
upon  the  table  and  may  be  purchased,  in  whole  or  in 
part,  at  first  cost  and  charges.  Resolved,  the  Trus- 
tees of  the  Assembly  be  desired  to  purchase  said 
books,  or  such  part  of  them,  or  any  other  books  as 
the  state  of  their  funds  will  admit,  consistently  with 
appropriations  already  made ;  and  that  they  take 
proper  measures  in  conjunction  with  the  Standing 
Committee  on  Missions,  to  have  the  books  above  men- 
tioned, and  those  received  from  Mr.  Robert  Aitkin, 


9 

together  -with  such  as  shall  be  received  from  Mr.  Cor- 
nelius  Davis  of  New  York,  properly  distributed." 

1803. 

"  A  communication  was  received  from  the  Presby- 
tery of  Erie,  praying  that  Bibles,  and  other  pious 
books  may  be  sent  into  the  bounds  of  that  Presbytery, 
and  placed  in  the  hands  of  certain  persons  to  the  in- 
tent that  they  may  be  employed  as  a  circulating  Li- 
brary, for  the  spiritual  edification  of  the  numerous 
poor  and  ignorant  persons  in  that  place,  who  are 
perishing  for  lack  of  knowledge.  On  motion,  it  was 
Resolved,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  the  Standing 
Committee  of  Missions. 

1804. 

Resolved,  That  the  Presbyteries  and  individuals  who 
have  received,  or  may  hereafter  receive,  religious 
books  for  distribution,  report  to  the  -  Committee  of 
Missions  from  year  to  year,  starting  in  what  manner 
the  books  have  been  disposed  of,  the  effects  produced, 
and  the  books,  if  any,  remaining  on  hand. 

1C05. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Missions  be  au- 
thorized and  requested  to  procure  two  hundred  and 
fifty  copies  of  Fuller's  Gospel  Worthy  of  all  Accep- 
tation, and  two  hundred  and  fifty  copies  of  Vincent's 
Exposition  of  the  Shorter  Catechism,  to  be  distributed 
in  places  where  such  books  are  especially  wanted, 
either  gratis  or  otherwise,  as  the  case  may  require. 


10 

Resolved,  That  the  Trustees  of  the  General  As- 
sembly be,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  and  re- 
quested, to  grant  a  warrant  in  favor  of  the  Rev.  John 
Rice,  for  the  payment  of  thirty-five  dollars,  to  be  ap- 
plied to  purchasing  religious  books,  to  be  distributed 
among  the  people  of  color,  within  the  bounds  of 
Hanover  Presbytery. 

1806. 

That  the  Assembly  appropriate  annually,  when  the 
funds  will  admit  of  it,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  dol- 
lars, for  the  purchase  of  religious  books,  to  be  dis- 
tributed in  those  parts  of  our  Church,  which  may 
most  need  them. 

1809. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  report  on  the  estab- 
lishment of  a  Society  for  procuring  and  distributing 
religious  tracts,  reported  the  following  resolution,  and 
it  was  adopted  : 

"  Resolved,  That  whereas  it  appears  to  this  Assem- 
bly, that  great  and  increasing  good  has  accrued  to 
the  Church  of  Christ,  by  the  distribution  of  small 
cheap  religious  tracts ;  it  is  hereby  earnestly  recom- 
mended that  each  Synod  take  measures  for  establish- 
ing as  many  religious  Tract  Societies  within  their 
bounds,  by  association  of  one  or  more  Presbyteries 
together,  as  may  be  most  convenient  for  this  purpose ; 
and  that  such  Societies  may  adopt  such  plan  for  car- 
rying into  effect  the  object  of  this  resolution,  as  may 
be  most  conducive  in  their  judgment  to  this  end." 


11 


1816. 

"  The  Committee  appointed  to  inquire  whether 
some  plan  cannot  be  devised  for  the  wider  circulation 
of  the  Confession  of  Faith,  and  of  the  Constitution 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  reported,  and  their  re- 
port being  read  and  amended,  was  adopted  and  is  as 
follows  : 

"  1.  That  it  be  strictly  enjoined  on  all  the  Presby- 
teries under  the  care  of  the  General  Assembly,  to 
endeavor  by  such  means  as  upon  careful  examination 
shall  to  them  appear  best  to  promote  the  diffusion  and 
wider  circulation  of  the  Confession  of  Faith,  and 
Book  of  Discipline  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

"  2.  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  congregations 
in  our  connection,  to  take  measures  to  supply  their 
own  poor  with  the  Confession  of  Faith,  Catechisms, 
and  Book  of  Discipline  of  our  Church. 

"  3.  That  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly 
be  authorized  and  directed  to  inquire  rnto  the  expe- 
diency of  stereotyping  the  Confession  of  Faith,  Cate- 
chisms, and  Form  of  Government,  and  to  report  to 
the  next  General  Assembly." 

1846. 

The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  reported 
overture  No.  3,  on  Doctrinal  Tracts,  which  was  re- 
ferred to  a  Committee  of  two  from  each  Synod,  viz: 
Messrs.  Rowland  and  Mason,  Fisher  and  Kidder, 
Haynes  and  Little,  Wilson  and  Fitch,  Skinner  and 
Needham,  Wilson  and  Brewster,  Cleaveland  and  Clark, 
Beecher  and  Giddings,  Duffield  and  Johnson,  Boutelle 


/> 


12 

and  Bartlett,  Bushnell  and  Taylor,  Dickey  and  Ste- 
vens, Hale  and  Ayres,  Waterbury  and  Hewet,  Tucker 
Slayback,  Mitchell  and  Davidson,  Wimpy  and  Blair, 
Campbell  and  McAfee,  Dwight  and  Perkins,  McLain 
and  Edrington. 

H.  A.  Rowland  from  the  Committee  on  Doctrinal 
Tracts  presented  a  report,  which  was  accepted  and 
put  on  the  docket. 

The  Rev.  H.  A.  Rowland  called  for  action  on  the 
Report  on  Doctrinal  Tracts,  when  after  a  few  remarks, 
the  whole  subject  was  referred  to  a  Committee  con- 
sisting of  Rev.  Messrs.  Wm.  Patton,  D.  D.,  F.  H. 
Skinner,  D.  D.,  E.  F.  Hatfield,  and  H.  A.  Rowland, 
to  act  in  the  premises  and  report  at  the  meeting  of 
Assembly  in  Cincinnati. 

1847. 
Committee  on  Doctrinal  Tracts  appointed  in  May 
last,  made  a  report,  which  was  accepted,  and  after 
some  discussion,  the  whole  subject  was  referred  to  a 
committee  consisting  of  the  Rev.  Messrs.  E.  F.  Hat- 
field, S.  H.  Cox,  D.D.,  E.  Mason,  D.D.,  C.  E.  Stow, 
D.  D.,  and  Joel  Parker,  D.  D.,  with  instructions  to  re- 
port to  the  next  Assembly. 

1850. 

The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  reported 
overture  No.  3,  on  Doctrinal  Tracts,  which  was  put 
upon  the  docket.  The  same  overture  was  then  taken 
up  for  consideration.  A  motion  was  made  to  commit 
the  subject  to  a  select  committee;  which  was  followed 
by  a  motion  for  the  indefinite  postponement  of  the 


13 

whole  subject.  The  unfinished  business  of  the  morn- 
ing viz :  the  consideration  of  the  overture  on  Doctri- 
nal Tracts,  was  resumed,  the  motion  before  the  house 
being  for  the  indefinite  postponement  of  the  whole 
subject.  After  a  long  discussion,  the  motion  for  post- 
ponement was  lost.  The  motion  recurred  on  the 
reference  of  the  subject  to  a  select  Committee,  and  it 
was  finally  referred  to  a  Committee  consisting  of  the 
Rev.  J.  C.  Stiles,  D.D.,  James  B.  Townsend,  Rev.  J. 
Holmes  Agnew,  and  Rev.  Frederic  A.  Ross,  with  the 
Elders  Abner  Bryant,  and  George  Kellogg,  to  report 
to  the  next  Assembly. 

1851. 

"  Resolved ,  That  it  be  referred  to  a  Committee  con- 
sisting of  Re v.Ed win  F.  Hatfield,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Alfred 
E.  Campbell,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Asa  D.  Smith,  D.D.,  Rev. 
J.  W.  McLane,  Messrs.  Moses  W.  Dodd,  Roe  Lock- 
wood,  and  Charles  Starr,  to  take  into  consideration 
the  employment  of  the  Press  for  the  promotion  of  the 
cause  of  Christ  by  means  of  our  denomination. 

1852. 

"  To  promote  the  diffusion  of  those  truths  which 
distinguish  us  as  a  Church,  the  General  Assembly 
adopts  the  following  arrangement. 

1.  There  is  hereby  established  at  Philadelphia  a 
Standing  Committee  of  nine  persons,  whose  duty  it 
shall  be  to  superintend  the  publication  of  a  series  of 
Tracts,  explanatory  of  the  doctrines,  government,  and 
missionary  policy  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  as  the 
9 


14 

General  Assembly  shall  from  time  to  time  direct. 
One  third  of  this  Committee  shall  serve  for  one  year, 
one  third  for  two  years,  and  the  remaining  third  for 
three  years.  The  election  to  fill  the  places  of  those 
whose  terms  expire,  to  be  held  at  each  meeting  of  the 
General  Assembly. 

2.  This  Committee  shall  elect  a  Secretary  and 
Treasurer,  the  former  of  whom  shall  receive  such  a 
salary  per  annum,  as  shall  be  agreed  upon  by  the 
Committee;  and  shall  be  the  editor  of  the  tracts  pub- 
lished, and  also  as  far  as  may  be  necessary,  the  so- 
liciting agent  for  such  an  amount  of  funds  as  may  be 
required  to  carry  out  the  objects  for  which  this  Com- 
mittee is  appointed. 

3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  this  Committee  to  meet  at 
Philadelphia,  and  after  due  organization,  to  take  mea- 
sures to  procure  the  preparation  and  publication,  in 
neat,  cheap  and  substantial  form  of  a  series  of  Tracts 
for  the  purposes  above  stated.  No  Tract  to  be  pub- 
lished which  does  not  receive  the  unanimous  approba- 
tion of  the  Committee. 

4.  This  Committee  shall  if  consistent  with  the  in- 
terests of  the  Assembly,  enter  into  a  contract  with 
some  publisher  or  publishers  to  assume* for  a  time,  the 
publication  of  such  Tracts  as  may  be  furnished  them 
at  certain  rates,  which  shall  be  agreed  upon  in  writing. 
And  if  no  such  arrangement  can  be  profitably  and 
satisfactorily  made,  the  said  Committee  shall,  by 
solicitation  from  the  churches,  proceed  to  provide  a 
sufficient  fund  for  their  publication  in  behalf  of  the 
Assembly. 


15 

5.  This  Committee  shall  make  a  full  report  of  its 
proceedings  to  the  General  Assembly,  at  each  annual 
meeting. 

The  following  persons  were  appointed  the  Commit- 
tee to  superintend  the  preparation  and  publication  of 
Doctrinal  Tracts,  viz :  Rev.  Thomas  Brainerd,  D.  D., 
Rev.  Albert  Barnes,  and  S.  T.  Bodine  Esq.,  for  one 
year;  Rev.  E.  W.  Gilbert,  D.D.,  Rev.  Thomas  H. 
Skinner,  D.D.,  and  Rev.  Geo.  Duffield,  Jr.,  for  two 
years;  Rev.  Asa  D.  Smith,  D.D.,  Rev.  Jonathan  F, 
Stearnes,  D.D.,  and  Hon.  Win.  Darling,  for  three 
years. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  have  power  to  fill 
their  own  vacancies. 

1853. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  Report 
of  the  Standing  Committee  for  the  preparation  and 
publication  of  Doctrinal  Tracts,  reported  the  follow- 
ing resolutions,  which  were  adopted. 

1.  That  the  Rev.  Thomas  Brainerd,  D.  D.,  Rev. 
Albert  Barnes,  and  Mr.  S.  T.  Bodine,  whose  term  of 
service  on  the  Committee  has  expired,  be  re-elected. 

2.  That  the  Rev.  Geo.  Chandler,  and  Samuel  H. 
Perkins,  Esq.,  of  Philadelphia,  be  added  to  the  Com- 
mittee. 

3.  That  the  rule  requiring  the  unanimous  consent 
of  the  Committee  for  the  publication  of  any  book  or 
tract,  be  so  modified,  that  a  majority  of  three  fourths 
only  shall  be  required. 


16 

4.  That  the  Committee  be  authorized  to  take  such 
measures  as  they  may  deem  advisable  to  secure  the 
necessary  funds  for  the  erection  of  a  house  of  publi- 
cation. 

5.  That  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to  all  our 
churches,  to  take  up  collections  annually  or  otherwise, 
in  aid  of  the  publishing  fund  under  the  control  of  this 
Committee. 

6.  That  we  suggest  to  the  Committee  the  desirable- 
ness of  issuing  as  soon  as  practicable,  a  few  tracts 
which  shall  clearly  and  distinctly  exhibit  our  peculiar 
views  of  doctrine,  government,  and  missionary  policy, 
with  a  view  to  answer  the  calumnies  against  us,  and 
show  our  true  position  in  the  Church  and  in  the  world. 


1854. 

The  Assembly  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
unfinished  business  of  the  morning,  and  the  report  of 
the  special  committee  on  Doctrinal  Tracts  and  the 
Publication  House,  having  been  amended,  was  adopted, 
and  is  as  follows. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  Report 
on  Doctrinal  Tracts,  and  also  the  overture  from  the 
Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  Fourth,  on  the  subject  of 
a  Presbyterian  Publication  House,  report,  that  they 
concur  cordially  in  the  expressions  of  the  Report  on 
the  subject  of  the  Press,  and  its  great  importance  as 
an  organ  of  usefulness ;  also,  on  the  desirableness  of 
a  religious  literature,  suitable  to  the  wants  of  our 
denomination  ;  and  congratulate  the  Assembly  on  the 


17 

prospect  that  this  want  will  be  supplied  by  the  future 
efficiency  of  this  committee. 

Your  committee  moreover  fully  concur  in  the  views 
of  the  Report  as  to  the  inexpediency  of  ourselves  en- 
tering upon  the  business  of  printing,  and  the  superior 
advantages  of  doing  the  work  by  the  agency  of  exist- 
ing establishments. 

Your  committee  recommend  that  extracts  from  the 
Report  to  be  made  by  the  (Publication)  Committee, 
be  published  in  the  Appendix  to  the  Minutes  of  the 
Assembly. 

Your  committee  further  recommend  that  the  Pub- 
lication Committee  be  enlarged  to  the  number  of  fif- 
teen,  nine  of  whom  shall  reside  in  the  city  of  Phila- 
delphia, or  vicinity ;  that  of  this  number  five  shall 
constitute  a  quorum  for  ordinary  business,  whose  sit- 
tings shall  be  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia  ;  but  nothing 
shall  be  authorized  for  publication,  issued  or  endorsed 
by  said  committee,  except  by  a  majority  of  its  mem- 
bers. All  publications  to  issue  simultaneously  in  the 
two  cities  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  with  the 
imprimatur  of  the  committee. 

Your  committee  finally  recommend,  that  the  Assem- 
bly take  possession  of  the  house  referred  to  in  the 
overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  Fourth, 
as  a  House  of  Publication,  on  the  terms  and  condi- 
tions as  to  the  price  and  payments  following,  viz : 

The  Assembly  will  authorize  the  conditional  accept- 
ance of  the  property,  so  soon  as  §12,500  shall  have 
been  pledged  by  responsible  persons  connected  with 
the  churches  of  Philadelphia ;  and  when  this  pledge 

2* 


18 

has  thus  been  made,  suitable  measures  shall  be  au- 
thorized to  raise  a  like  sum  of  $12,500,  and  the 
balance — say  §20,000 — shall  be  left  on  mortgage,  to 
be  liquidated  by  a  sinking  fund  arising  from  the  an- 
nual proceeds  of  the  house.  When  the  measures  to 
complete  the  purchase  have  been  perfected,  the  As- 
sembly will  take  the  property  unconditionally ;  and, 
to  the  end  that  the  legal  measures  may  be  taken  to 
perfect  the  title  prior  to  the  next  meeting  of  the  As- 
sembly, five  Trustees  of  the  House  of  Publication 
shall  be  elected,  who  shall  be  authorized  to  obtain  an 
act  of  incorporation. 

The  members  of  the  Publication  Committee,  whose 
term  of  office  expires  at  this  time,  are,  Rev.  Thomas 
H.  Skinner,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  George  Duffield,  Jr.  In 
addition  to  these,  the  Committee  recommend  the  ap- 
pointment of  thirteen  others,  and  that  this  Committee 
arrange  themselves  at  their  first  meeting  into  three 
classes,  five  going  out  of  office  yearly. 

A  Committee  of  three,  consisting  of  Rev.  S.  T. 
Spear,- D.  D.,  Rev.  Thomas  Brainerd,  D.  D.,  and  Rev. 
William  N.  McHarg,  were  appointed  to  nominate  the 
members  of  the  Doctrinal  Tract  Committee,  and  Trus- 
tees for/the  Presbyterian  Publication  House. 

The  Committee  to  nominate  members  of  the  Doc- 
trinal Tract  Committee,  and  Trustees  for  the  Presby- 
terian Publication  House,  made  the  following  report, 
which  was  adopted. 

Publication  Committee — Rev.  Albert  Barnes,  Rev. 
N.  S.  S.  Beman,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  Rev.  Wm.  Eagleton, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  Thomas  Brainerd,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Asa  D. 


19 

Smith,  D.  D.,  Rev.  S.  H.  Gridley,  Rev.  A.  II.  II. 
Boyd,  D.  D.,  Rev.  S.  T.  Spear,  D.  D.,  Rev.  George 
Duffield,  Jr.,  Rev.  H.  Darling,  Rev.  J.  Jenkins,  and 
Messrs.  S.  H.  Perkins,  S.  T.  Bocline,  C.  S.  Wurts, 
and  E.  S.  Whelen. 

Trustees  of  the  Presbyterian  Publication  House — 
Messrs.  J.  A.  Brown,  S.  H.  Perkins,  C.  S.  Wurts, 
M.  W.  Baldwin,  and  J.  C.  Farr. 

1855. 

Resolved,  That  the  name  of  the  Doctrinal  Tract 
Committee  of  the  General  Assembly,  be  changed  to 
"  The  Presbyterian  Publication  Committee." 

The  Assembly  took  from  the  docket  the  Report  of 
the  Committee  on  Church  Psalmody,  and  the  follow- 
ing  substitute  was  adopted  : 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  Publication  Committee  con- 
fer with  the  proprietors  of  the  Church  Psalmist,  and 
secure,  if  possible,  the  transfer,  on  reasonable  terms, 
of  the  copy-right  of  said  book  to  the  General  Assem- 
bly, and  that  the  Committee  have  full  powers  to  close 
arrangements  binding  on  the  Assembly. 

Resolved,  2.  That  in  case  of  failure,  said  Commit- 
tee report  to  the  next  Assembly,  and  at  the  same  time 
recommend  to  that  body  the  course  which  they  deem 
it  most  advisable  to  pursue  in  the  premises. 

The  Special  Committee  on  the  Report  of  the  Trus- 
tees of  the  Presbyterian  House,  and  of  the  Publication 
Committee,  presented  a  Report,  which  was  adopted, 
and  is  as  follows  : 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  Report 


20 

of  the  Trustees  of  the  Presbyterian  House  and  of  the 
Publication  Committee,  have  considered  the  same  and 
report  the  following  preamble  and  resolutions,  for  the 
adoption  of  the  Assembly,  viz : 

Whereas,  The  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Penn- 
sylvania, by  an  Act  approved  by  the  Governor,  April 
21st,  1855,  incorporated  "  The  Trustees  of  the  Pres- 
byterian House,"  in  Philadelphia,  who  are  by  said 
Act  to  be  elected  by  this  body,  therefore, 

Resolved,  By  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church  in  the  United  States  of  America:  1st. 
That  the  said  charter  be  and  the  same  is  hereby  ac- 
cepted ;  and  that  the  Trustees  created  by  said  Act  of 
incorporation,  be  directed  to  perform  all  the  duties 
required  by  their  appointment. 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  said  Trustees  be  directed  to 
give  such  official  notification  to  the  proper  authorities  of 
the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  as  may  be  necessary,  of  the 
acceptance  of  the  charter  by  the  General  Assembly. 

Resolved,  3.  That  the  Assembly  do  now  elect  ten 
Trustees  under  this  charter,  five  of  whom  shall  be 
ministers,  and  five  laymen  ;  all  of  whom  shall  be  con- 
nected with  some  Presbytery  or  Church  under  the 
care  of  the  General  Assembly. 

Resolved,  4.  That  the  first  meeting  of  the  Trustees 
shall  be  at  such  time  and  place  as  shall  be  fixed  by 
the  Trustees  first  elected ;  or,  in  case  of  his  inability 
to  act,  the  Trustee  next  elected,  who  shall  act  as 
chairman  until  the  Board  is  constituted  by  the  elec- 
tion of  a  President  and  Secretary. 

Resolved,  5.  That  the  Trustees,  at  their  first  meet- 


21 

ing,  be  directed  to  divide  themselves  into  two  portions, 
and  in  such  a  manner  that  there  shall  always  be  in 
the  Board  five  ministers  and  five  laymen. 

Resolved,  6.  That  in  electing  these  Trustees,  a 
nomination  shall  be  made  in  the  Assembly  ;  and  that 
the  election  shall  be  by  ballot  on  the  day  following 
that  on  which  the  nomination  is  made. 

Resolved,  7.  That  these  Trustees  be  directed  to 
keep  an  accurate  record  of  all  their  proceedings,  and 
report  the  same  annually  to  the  Assembly. 

Resolved,  8.  That  these  Trustees  be  directed  to 
take  such  measures  for  raising  the  amount  pledged 
by  the  last  Assembly,  for  the  purchase  of  the  "  Pres- 
byterian House,"  as  they  may  deem  expedient  and 
proper. 

Resolved,  9.  That  the  action  of  the  Publication 
Committee,  as  reported  to  the  Assembly,  be  approved, 
and  the  Committee  instructed  to  proceed  officially  in 
discharging  the  duties  of  their  appointment ;  and 
that  a  brief  synopsis  of  their  Report  be  published 
under  the  direction  of  the  stated  Clerk. 

Resolved,  10.  That  the  members  of  the  Committee, 
whose  term  of  office  expires  during  these  sessions  of 
the  Assembly,  namely,  Rev.  Albert  Barnes,  Rev.  N. 
S.  S.  Beman,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  Rev.  Thomas  Brainercl, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  }\m.  Eagleton,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  Asa  D. 
Smith,  D.  D.,  be  re-elected. 

Resolved,  11.  That  the  Report  of  the  Treasurer  of 
the  Trustees  of  the  Presbyterian  House,  and  that  of 
the  Publication  Committee  having  been  audited,  be 
approved. 


22 

Resolved,  12.  That  the  Trustees  of  the  Presbyte- 
rian House  be  directed  to  report  to  the  next  Assem- 
bly, a  plan  of  rules  and  regulations  for  the  govern- 
ment of  said  Trustees  in  the  discharge  of  their  du- 
ties. Nominations  for  Trustees  of  the  Presbyterian 
House  were  made ;  the  election  to  take  place  next 
day.  As  Trustees  of  the  Presbyterian  House,  the 
following  were  elected  :  John  A.  Brown,  M.  W.  Bald- 
win, Charles  S.  Wurts,  Samuel  H.  Perkins,  John  C. 
Farr,  Rev.  Albert  Barnes,  Rev.  Thomas  Brainerd, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  B.  J.  Wallace,  Rev.  Henry  Darling,  and 
Rev.  D.  H.  Riddle,  D.  D. 

1856. 

The  Report  was  then  adopted  unanimously  in  its 
amended  form,  as  follows. 

The  Special  Committee  to  whom  were  referred  the 
Reports  of  the  Publication  Committee,  and  of  the 
Trustees  of  the  Presbyterian  House,  respectfully  Re- 
port : 

That  they  recommend  the  approval  of  these  re- 
ports, and  the  course  of  action  which  has  been  pur- 
sued by  these  bodies  the  past  year.  Your  Committee 
believe  that  there  is  an  important  field  to  be  occupied 
by  the  Publication  Committee,  without  interference 
with  the  Societies  whose  object  is  to  supply  a  more 
general  evangelical  literature.  It  is  necessary  also 
that  the  Committee  should  have  a  house  in  which 
their  operations  may  be  carried  on,  and  which  may 
be  used  for  other  purposes  connected  with  our  Church. 
It  appears  from  the  Reports,  that  three  objects  are 


23 

now  particularly  engaging  the  attention  of  the  Pub- 
lication Committee  and  Board  of  Trustees,  viz.  : — 
The  necessary  arrangements  for  a  uniform  Psalm  and 
Hymn  Book  for  the  whole  Church ;  the  endowment 
of  the  Committee  with  a  suitable  capital  for  carrying 
on  its  operations ;  and  the  raising  of  funds  to  com- 
plete the  payment  for  the  Presbyterian  House,  agree- 
ably to  the  plan  adopted  by  the  General  Assembly  of 
1854.  These  objects  strike  your  Committee  as  rea- 
sonable and  important,  and  in  view  of  the  whole  case, 
they  recommend  the  following  resolutions  : — 

1.  That  the  Reports  of  the  Presbyterian  Publica- 
tion Committee,  and  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Presby- 
terian House  be  approved,  and  that  extracts  from  the 
same  be  published  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly, 
at  the  discretion  of  the  Stated  Clerk. 

2.  That  in  view  of  the  wants  of  these  institutions 
for   the    purpose  of  securing    uniformity  in    Church 
Psalmody — of  endowing  the  Publication  Committee, 
and  paying  the  balance  of  the  sum  required  for  the 
purchase  of  the  Presbyterian  House,  agreeably  to  the 
plan  agreed  upon  by  the  General  Assembly  of  1854, 
it  be,  and  is  hereby  recommended  to  all  churches 
under  our  care,  to  take  up  a  simultaneous  collection 
on  the  first  Sabbath  of  December  next ;  and  that  an 
effort  be  made  at  that  time,  to  raise  the  sum  of  Thirty 
Thousand  Dollars  for  these  objects,  one-half  of  which 
is  to   be  appropriated  to  the  Publication    Committee 
for  the  two  objects  first  mentioned,  and  the  other  one- 
half  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Presbyterian  House,  for 
the  last  object  mentioned ;  and  that  in  case  less  than 


24 

the  sum  mentioned  be  raised  by  said  collection,  that 
it  be  equally  divided  between  the  two  bodies  for  the 
respective  purposes  mentioned. 

3.  In  order  to  preserve  uniformity  in  Church 
Psalmody,  that  the  Publication  Committee  be  au- 
thorized to  negotiate  with  the  compiler  and  publishers 
of  the  Church  Psalmist,  and  to  purchase  that  book, 
if  this  can  be  done  on  reasonable  terms.  But  if  such 
terms  cannot  be  obtained,  then,  that  they  be  instruct- 
ed to  inquire  whether  a  new  book  of  Psalms  and 
Hymns  may  not  be  compiled,  which  shall  meet  all 
our  wants,  and  to  report  to  the  next  General  Assem- 

My. 

4.  That  the  Publication  Committee  are  hereby  au- 
thorized to  apply  to  the  Legislature  of  Pennsylvania, 
for  a  Charter  to  enable  them  more  perfectly  to  carry 
on  their  operations,  and  to  accept  the  same  when 
granted. 

5.  The  following  persons  whose  term  of  office  in 
the  Publication  Committee  now  expires,  are  hereby 
re-elected  for  three  years,  viz. :  Rev.  S.  H.  Gridley, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  A.  H.  H.  Boyd,  D.  D.,  Rev.  S.  T.  Spear, 
D.  D.,  Rev.  Geo.  Duffield,  Jr.,  and  Rev.  Henry  Dar- 
ling. 

Messrs.  J.  A.  Brown,  M.  W.  Baldwin,  Hon.  Win. 
Darling,  and  Rev.  Thomas  Brainerd,  D.  D.,  and  Rev. 
Geo.  Chandler,  were  elected  Trustees  of  the  Presby- 
terian House. 


